Extreme Weather Events J&K: Landslide claims 8 lives in Kathua

Heavy rainfall in Jammu parts, Katra records over 413 MM of rainfall, risk of flashfloods & landslides increased due to heavy rain: Weather Dept

Amid inclement weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir with heavy downpours in Jammu areas, Extreme Weather Events (EWE) have caused the death to eight people in Kathua in Jammu province on Wednesday, said officials.

Rains triggered landslides, 8 dead

According to the officials rains triggered “multiple” landslides that left several houses buried under the debris resulting in the death of at least eight people taken out of the debris.

Senior administrative official Satish Kumar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Bani, stated to Ground Report that the incessant rainfall in the area caused "Multiple" landslides. These landslides buried two houses under debris, resulting in the death of eight people so far.

“The area is witnessing incessant rainfall that triggered the landslides due to which two mud houses collapsed and resulted in the death of eight people”, he said.

Kumar reported that the authorities had already issued a weather warning in the area, but people chose to stay at their homes, stating that they had relocated residents living near the incident spot to a safer place in a Panchayat Ghar.

He said, "This time, the multiple landslides and cloud bursts have cut off our road connectivity with other districts and the water level in Khag River and Seva River is flowing above danger level."

According to the official, the bodies of the following individuals were recovered, Mohd Asif (12 years old), Nazia Bano (11 years old), Zareena Begum (45 years old), Arbaz (3 years old), Sham Lal (45 years old), Naseema Begum (50 years old), Ajay Singh (13 years old), and Shahbaz (14 years old).

Govts reachout

Following the deaths due to the landslides in the Bani area of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives in house collapse and landslides triggered by heavy rains.

The Lt Governor expressed deep sadness in a condolence message, stating, "I have learned about the tragic incident triggered by heavy rains in Kathua, in which a number of persons have lost their lives and we fear that many others are trapped under the debris." Rescue and relief operations are currently underway. I have directed the district administration to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families, who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured".

The local district administration while mourning the tragic incident at Bani has announced immediate Rs 50,000 as ex-gratia for the bereaved families and Rs 25,000 for the injured and has further asked people not to venture out and urged them to stay indoors and to avoid rivers/nallahs in view of Inclement weather forecast.

Jammu parts report heavy rainfall

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) officials at Srinagar said that the Jammu parts have received heavy rainfall with Katra recording an “extremely” heavy downpour, saying that it recorded a rainfall of 413.6mm during the last 30 hours.

Dr. Mukthar, a senior scientist at IMD stationed at MeT Srinagar told Ground Report that Katra in Jammu division received 413.6 mm of 315.4mm during the last 30 hours till 1430 hours on Wednesday, while Reasi during the last 30 hours till 1430 hours recorded 304.0 mm of rainfall.

As per the MeT Srinagar, Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir during the last 30 hours till 1430 hours has recorded 17.2 mm of rainfall.

Other parts of Jammu and Kashmir also received rainfall in the last 30 hours with Jammu recording 119.2 mm, Banihal 24.1mm, and Batote 26.2 mm.

MeT forecasts rain, warns risks ahead

Earlier, MeT Srinagar stated in its daily forecast report on Wednesday that intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershower will occur at "many places" in Jammu and at scattered places in Kashmir from July 20-22.

“Heavy rain is likely at some places of Jammu region during this week,” the officials said.

As per the MeT official, there is a risk of “flash floods, mudslides, and landslides saying that has increased due to heavy rain”, advising people to remain cautious and stay away from Streams, Rivers, and other vulnerable spots.

Meanwhile, authorities have closed all government and private schools in the Doda district for the well-being of the students in view of the heavy rainfall.

Deputy Commissioner Doda also issued a directive to all the concerned parties, stating, "Inform the students well in advance about the closure of the schools so that they do not venture out."

In it’s 6 PM weather update on Wednesday, the weather department of Jammu & Kashmir said that the rain has stopped at most places of J&K, and forecasted that from 20-22 July intermittent light to moderate rain/thundershower at “MANY” places of Jammu and at “SCATTERED” places of Kashmir.

“Heavy Rain likely at some places of Jammu region during 20-23rd”, it mentions in the weather forecast.

The weather update has repeated the warning that the risk of “Flash Flood, Mudslides, and Landslides” has increased due to Heavy Rain and has advised people to remain cautious and stay away from Streams, Rivers, and other vulnerable spots.

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